Autumn botanical workshop with Svetlana Lance from 4th to 10th October 2026
 

Svetlana Lanse holds a Master's degree in Miniature Painting. During her academic training, she mastered the fundamental principles of botanical art by studying the Great Masters—including Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Maria Sibylla Merian, Albrecht Dürer, and the Dutch still-life painters.

However, Svetlana has evolved beyond this classical training to create her own vibrant, modern style. She is known for a unique approach to lighting that makes her subjects appear to glow, combined with meticulous attention to detail.

An active tutor and international exhibitor, Svetlana has also served as a juror for various art competitions. Her paintings are included in the Dr. Shirley Sherwood Collection and the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation. Her achievements include an RHS Gold Medal (group display) and awards distinguishing her work for its technical excellence and modern composition."

Our amazing week together will be dedicated to lighting effects in botanical art—elements that, in Svetlana’s view, do not compromise botanical accuracy, but rather help to fully reveal it.

To start our deep dive into the subject, we will discuss how frequently the play of light is utilized in botanical art today. We will explore which major international exhibitions welcome this contemporary approach, and which caution against excessive decorative effects.

Next, we will examine different types of lighting and how to achieve the most flattering illumination to highlight a subject’s best features. Svetlana will demonstrate how she captures reference photos and work from life, showing you how to combine both approaches to create a precise image.

Participants will get an inside look at her entire workflow, from selecting a subject and composing the piece to the final touches. Since the choice of model largely defines an artist's recognizable style, she will share her observations on which works truly resonate with viewers and receive exhibition awards. She will also introduce you to her favorite artists who masterfully work with light.

In the practical segment, we will cover painting development in detail. Svetlana will share her personal tips for simplifying the watercolor process right from the initial stages. And, of course, we will explore color—specifically, how to make your colors glow!

You can look forward to many visual examples and live demonstrations.

During the course, students will:

●     Create their own artworks based on the workshop theme.

• Receive prepared theory handouts to keep on hand for future reference.

• Gain a detailed understanding of my workflow and all its nuances.

• Learn how to make their work look more contemporary and realistic.

• Master the combination of watercolor with other media to achieve technical perfection.

●     Discover the secrets of combining different watercolor techniques."

During the week, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a guided walk through the woods to learn about the phenomenon of the golden larches, as well as the importance of forests in high-altitude villages like Pontresina. We’ll explore the types of trees and the general flora that thrive in this unique environment.

One afternoon, we will also visit a very special and hidden location on the shore of Lake St. Moritz: the former home (now museum) of Swiss artist Mili Weber (1891-1978), who dedicated her life to depicting nature, primarily through watercolor. We’ll have the chance to view some of her original works.

The Mili Weber Museum is of national importance and is protected as a historical site. Mili Weber (1891-1978) was a Swiss artist illustrator of various fairy tales, well-known for her flower children and her interpretation of nature which was her main theme. She worked primarily in watercolor.

In Mili Weber’s works, flowers are given a life of their own – for they take the form of children, growing out of a bud, with blossom wings that carry them up into the sky, the flower stem extending over their heads like a protective umbrella. In Mili Weber’s world, everything is alive: blossom petals falling into the water become swans, fuchsias serve as a team of horses pulling a carriage, and rays of light appear as harp strings.

More than just a house: Mili Weber transformed her home into a magical work of art, where walls and ceilings are becoming her canvas. You will have the chance to see her original work through a private guided tour of her house now the museum.

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Pontresina is situated in a wind-sheltered valley at 1805 meters above sea level and a mere 10 minutes drive from well known St-Moritz. The village of Pontresina is very close to the Bernina Massif with the two most famous peaks of the Engadine : Piz Palü and Piz Bernina. Standing at 4049 meters, the Bernina is the highest peak in the Eastern Alps. The main actress here is nature herself. She has all the space she needs to thrive and grants her visitors endless possibilities to enjoy her beauty. 

We will be staying in a beautiful hotel located in the heart of Pontresina, in a traditional Art Nouveau house founded in 1881. The hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort, tradition, and modern amenities, such as fitness and wellness area. Each participant will have it’s own room with ensuite bathroom and view on the mountains.

We’ll enjoy local and homemade delicious food. 

If you’re arriving by plane the closest international airport is Zurich. And from there the easiest way to reach Pontresina is by train. The train station is within the airport. It’s approximately 3h40 depending on the connections and the journey with the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) from Chur is one of the most scenic and interesting  train routes in Europe with it’s tunnels and dizzying viaducts. In 2008 the Rhaetian Railway Albula and Bernina lines became UNESCO World Heritage sites. So take the train, it’s worth the ride!

Online timetable at: www.sbb.ch

By Car:

You can easily reach the Engadine by car from any part of Switzerland or from Italy, Germany or Austria:

• Zurich – Pontresina: 200 km, 3 hours

• Milan – Pontresina: 175 KM, 3 hours

• Munich – Pontrasina: 300 KM, 4 hours

• Basel – Pontresina: 250km, 4 hours

In case of snowdrifts, crossing the passes is only permitted with snow chains or in 4X4 cars. Please check the road conditions map for the passes.